like a bolt from the blue
Meaning
Very sudden and completely unexpected—like surprising news or an event with no warning.
Origin
From the image of lightning striking out of a clear blue sky—something dramatic that seems impossible because there were no signs of a storm. Recorded in English from the 19th century.
Notes
Used to emphasize strong surprise at something with no warning. Often for news/decisions/events; slightly dramatic but common in writing and speech.
Examples
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Her resignation came like a bolt from the blue; no one saw it coming.
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The phone call, like a bolt from the blue, changed everything in an instant.
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I was enjoying a quiet afternoon when, like a bolt from the blue, my old friend showed up at the door.
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The announcement hit investors like a bolt from the blue, and the market plunged.
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His sudden apology was like a bolt from the blue after months of silence.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a simile: “like a bolt from the blue,” often with verbs such as hit/come/strike: “It came like a bolt from the blue.” Also used after nouns: “a bolt-from-the-blue announcement.”
Synonyms
- out of the blue
- out of nowhere
- all of a sudden
- without warning
Antonyms
- expected
- predictable
- foreseeable
- no surprise